Conversion only way to tackle threat from upper caste people

Following the attack on a Dalit family in Faridabad, the lower caste community feel they would be safer from the upper caste if they converted to Islam.

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Ajay Kumar

October 21, 2015

UPDATED: October 21, 2015 13:49 IST

A woman police officer in plain clothes inspects the house which was set on fire.

The arson in Sunped village of Faridabad has created fear among people, especially the lower caste community, in the adjoining villages. Due to the continuous threat posed by upper castes, a section of people from the lower caste have expressed their desire to convert to Islam.

"The upper caste people used to humiliate us over petty incidents like pulling out a mobile phone from the drain. They would often threaten and dishonour us and also the women from our community. We do not feel secure as the current government has failed to protect our pride. We have no other option than to convert to Islam," said Rohtash, a villager.

"At least we know few leaders who represent the minority community. There is no leader for the lower caste here," Rohtash added.

Villagers have demanded that Faridabad police commissioner Subhash Yadav be sacked as he has failed to control the law and order situation.

"The district police and local administration have ignored us and our complaints," alleged another villager Ramesh Kumar.

In adjoining Asawati village, a teenage girl was abducted by an upper caste youth and was later found unconscious in UP's Bulandshahr district. Despite a complaint of sexual assault at the Ballabhgarh police station, cops dismissed the matter saying that the girl had eloped with her boyfriend.

"One of the reasons behind the police apathy is the majority of the upper caste people. Sunped village has a population of 1,400 with 75 per cent belonging to the upper caste community. They have strong political connections with local leaders," said another villager Sunil Kumar.